Missing diver in Pentland Firth named by police

Police say their search for Grant Wright is continuing, although coastguards stood down yesterday.

By Cameron Roy

May 16 2023, 10:10 pm

Thurso Lifeboat took part in the rescue operation. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson

A diver missing in the Pentland Firth has been named.

Grant Wright was reported missing on Tuesday, sparking a huge search involving the coastguard, RNLI and nearby vessels.

However, after nearly 24 hours, coastguards stood down their search at about 4pm yesterday.

Mr Wright, 64, was from Moray.

Police say they are supporting his family, and stressed their own search and inquiries are continuing. They are asking anyone with information to get in touch.

Coastguard search for diver Grant Wright

The search was primarily located around the south-east of the Isle of Swona.

It involved three coastguard helicopters from Sumburgh, Stornoway and Inverness.

As well as a coastguard aeroplane from Humberside, and coastguard rescue teams from St Margaret’s Hope, Kirkwall, Dunoon and Scrabster.

Four RNLI all-weather lifeboats were sent to help from Long Hope, Wick, Thurso, and Stromness.

The Rescue 900 helicopter based in Sumburgh was called to the incident.

Four other private vessels were also helping look for the diver.

The Pentland Firth is the strait that separates the Orkney from Caithness.

A coastguard spokesman said: “The search for an adult diver missing in the Pentland Firth has sadly been called off after a comprehensive search was unable to locate him.

“HM Coastguard coordinated the operation for about 22 hours following the alarm being raised from a spot south-west of the island of Swona.”

Police continue search

But the police said they are continuing to search for Mr Wright.

A police spokesman said: “Police searches and inquiries are continuing for a diver missing in the water near the island of Swona in Orkney.

“Officers were made aware that Grant Wright, aged 64, from the Moray area, was missing around 8.25pm on Tuesday, May 16.

“The diver’s family are being kept informed and supported by officers.”

The police have asked anyone with any information to get in touch on 101, quoting incident number 3640 of Tuesday, May 16.

In tribute to Mr Wright, a fellow diver took to social media. In a post he wrote: “A dear diving buddy of mine, Grant Wright, has been missing since Tuesday evening; whilst out diving in the Pentland Firth.

“To know that such a meticulous and competent diver is missing on a dive is devastating. More so that it is Grant. Words fail me.”